Ontario Cop Brutally Arrests Skateboarder ... Slams Face Into Pavement

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VICIOUS TAKEDOWN

A cop in Ontario, Canada viciously attacked a skateboarder who was begging for help, and it's all on video.

20-year-old Skyler Kent had apparently run a red light in front of police, so they pulled him over and he was given a ticket. The officers then went after Kent for a second time, and he was tackled by one of the cops, and that's where the video starts.

You hear Skyler repeatedly scream, "Get off of me!" as he is smothered in cop. The officer implores Skyler to stop resisting, to which he responds ... he's not resisting.

The cop orders Skyler to put his hands behind his back and then puts a taser to his head and warns, "You want this? I'll light you up!"

As bystanders plead for the cop to stop hurting the skateboarder, the cop screams, "Roll on your stomach!" The officer appears to slam the taser at Skyler's head. Another officer then comes and flips Skyler over. The first cop then grabs Skyler's hair and slams his face into the pavement. It's just brutal.

Now get this ... Skyler was charged with causing a disturbance and assault with attempt to resist arrest.

The Police Chief said the cop in question has been "reassigned to alternate duties" pending the outcome of an investigation, adding the video is "concerning."

Sort of an understatement, don't you think?

Super Bowl Tampa Bars, Restaurants Packed to the Gills ... Dare You to Find a Mask

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It's pretty amazing ... the actual Super Bowl will be COVID safe with rigid rules, while the City itself has gone in the total opposite direction, and all the proof you need is right on video.

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PRE-FOOTBALL FIESTA

Thousands of partiers crammed into the Ybor City and SoHo Districts in Tampa Saturday night and it couldn't be more unsafe ... almost no one is wearing a mask, and sardines have more room to stretch than these folks.

The crowd is a mix of college students from the area and lots of others who flew down to Tampa for some fun.

The City and the NFL have encouraged people to wear masks and socially distance, but it wasn't happening. You see police cars in the area but we didn't see any cop or other official trying to make things safe.  Probably wouldn't have done any good regardless.

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PACKED IN & SPRAYED DOWN

The WTR Tampa Pool inside the Godfrey Waterfront Hotel was poppin' all weekend, with Steve Aoki performing Friday night and Diplo and 50 Cent taking the stage Saturday ... again, with COVID precautions non-existent.

The wild card ... are any of the partiers going to the Super Bowl? If they catch the 'rona before the game ...

Diplo Headlines Super Bowl Super-Spreader Party

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NO-MASK BASH

Diplo can sure draw a crowd, because around 2,000 people swarmed the Godfrey Waterfront Hotel's WTR Tampa Pool Saturday night and -- aside from the whole COVID super-spreader thing that sometimes causes death -- a good time was had by all.

It looks very pre-pandemic, with music, a dance floor, bars, and fun shenanigans. And, as per usual, no social distancing and masks are few and far between.

The electronic music and light show are pretty spectacular, as fire dancers do their thing.

On a serious note, this is what is keeping Dr. Fauci and other experts up at night. Some of them have warned ... if there are 50 people in a crowd, there's more than a 50% chance at least one of them is carrying COVID.

With the variants spreading across the U.S. -- some of which are even more contagious than the COVID OG -- this and other events like it are disasters waiting to happen.

50 Cent also performed earlier in the evening at the same venue.

Here's what the event organizers demanded ... "Social distancing procedures will be strictly enforced, face masks will be required for all staff & guests, wellness and temperature checks will be mandatory for entrance, sanitizing stations will be placed throughout the venue, and continued cleaning protocols will provide regular sanitizing.” The best-laid plans ...

The Tampa PD was pissed ...“Scenes from WTR last night and a few other clubs were incredibly disappointing. The city spent the better part of a year educating residents on precautions due to the pandemic and have recently put a mask order in place for both the entertainment and event zones to ensure the safety of our residents and visitors to our great city.”

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PACKED IN & SPRAYED DOWN

The night before, Steve Aoki headlined another bash at the same venue -- that was also super COVID unsafe.

Florida has 1,771,359 COVID cases with 27,599 deaths.

The Weeknd Good Genes or Good Docs?!

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The Weeknd's super-natural looks are just as amazing as his voice!

Here is a 22-year-old version of the singer showing off his stylish good looks at an award show in New York City back in 2013 (left). This was the same year he released his first studio album titled "Kiss Land."

And, 8 years later ... the Super Bowl LV halftime performer shared a stunning selfie showing off his perfectly chiseled jawline and sculpted cheekbones on Instagram just last month after keeping his face covered with bandages during his recent performance for a storyline around his new album "After Hours" (right).

We're sure there will be plenty more to be seen on stage later today during his solo halftime show because his good looks are blinding ... light.

The question is ...

Casanova TikTok Dance Challenge Behind Bars .. It Gets You Disciplined

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12:48 PM PT -- Casanova’s attorney, James Kousouros, tells TMZ ... "I am unaware of the specific allegations however, this does appear to be a harmless infraction under the circumstances. These fellas are in prison, with no visits or meaningful contact with their loved ones. It is unimaginably difficult to keep your spirits and faith under such circumstances."

Rapper Casanova is in even more trouble after busting a move behind bars.

The 34-year-old rapper is in Westchester County Jail in New York in connection with a gang-related racketeering case.

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A woman recorded him accepting the "Junebug Challenge" during a video visit. Gotta say, the TikTok challenge is to do a dance in strange locations, so Casanova clearly checked that box.

Jail officials didn't see it that way, and now he's facing discipline. Westchester County Correction Commissioner Joseph Spano says Casanova's video visitation privileges have been yanked ... turns out recording videos and taking pics during a visit are prohibited.

That's not Casanova's only problem ... he faces another disciplinary charge for not wearing a mask during the video visit.

Casanova has pled not guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit racketeering, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and firearms possession.

Originally published -- 8:19 AM PT

Make-A-Wish Founder Frank Shankwitz Dead at 77

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Frank Shankwitz, the Arizona Highway Patrol officer who helped a terminally ill boy realize his dream of becoming a motorcycle cop and then co-created the Make-a-Wish Foundation, has died.

Shankwitz passed at his home in Prescott, Arizona ... succumbing to esophageal cancer.  Frank passed on January 24. His wife of 38 years, Kitty, was at his bedside.

Frank heard about a boy named Chris Greicius back in 1980 ... the child had end-stage leukemia and wanted to be a motorcycle cop when he grew up, just like Ponch and Jon from the TV show, "CHiPs."

Frank wanted to make Chris' dream come true but thought the boy might not be physically up for the adventure, saying, “Figuring he’d be brought out in a wheelchair, I was surprised when the door opened and a pair of sneakers emerged.”

Shankwitz explained, “Out stepped Chris, an excited 7-year-old boy who seemed so full of life it was hard to believe he was sick.” So, Frank gave him a badge and a uniform and even had him take a driving test in his front yard to become a real motor cop. Chris was beyond thrilled.

"CHiPs" stars Erik Estrada and Larry Wilcox later autographed a photo for Chris, but by the time Shankwitz went to give it to him ... Chris had fallen into a light coma.

Chris had hung his uniform by the bed, and when Frank pinned the badge on his shirt, he woke up and asked, “Am I an official motorcycle cop now?” “You sure are,” Frank replied.

Chris died later that day.

A few months later Frank created the Make-a-Wish Foundation. More than 315,000 children in the United States have had their dreams come true as a result of Frank's efforts.

Today the org has 64 chapters in the U.S. and 36 chapters internationally.

Frank was 77.

RIP

Aaron Rodgers 'I Got Engaged!!' QB Reveals After Reports He's Dating Shailene Woodley

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Forget a Super Bowl ring, Aaron Rodgers is getting a WEDDING RING -- because the superstar QB just announced he's engaged!!

Sooooo ... who's the future Mrs. Rodgers?!?!?

Aaron isn't saying ... yet ... but the smart money's on "Big Little Lies" actress Shailene Woodley!

Here's the deal ... the Green Bay Packers QB appeared at the NFL Honors event -- where he won his 3rd NFL MVP award -- and he dropped a pretty huge bombshell during his acceptance speech.

"2020 was definitely a crazy year," Rodgers told the crowd via ... "I got engaged!"

He proceeded to shout out some of the special people in his life -- including "my fiancee."

Rodgers didn't expand on engagement -- but there have been rumblings for months that he quietly began dating 29-year-old Woodley after his split with Danica Patrick.

Reps for both Rodgers and Woodley aren't saying anything more about the engagement -- but c'mon ... at this point, the cat's outta the bag.

The timing of the announcement is interesting -- either Rodgers was trying to steal some headlines before the big game he's not playing in ... or he was hoping the announcement would fly under the radar amidst all the Super Bowl hoopla.

37-year-old Rodgers previously dated Olivia Munn. His brother Jordan Rodgers found love on "The Bachelorette" back in 2016 when he got engaged to Jojo Fletcher.

Congrats!!!

Dan Levy Mom Skewers Camp Bullies ... Before Son's 'SNL' Hosting Gig

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Dan Levy’s mom got sweet revenge against the boys who bullied her son at summer camp ... with a little help from Lorne Michaels.

Deborah Devine celebrated her son's latest honor -- hosting 'SNL' -- with a pre-show tweet ... "This goes out to the bully punks at Camp WTF who made life miserable for a certain cabin-mate back in the summer of '96 -- just because he was different."

And then, Deb lowers the boom ... "Well, after all these years I have just 7 words to say to you: 'Live from New York, it's Saturday Night!'" BOOM!!!

Dan, who's gay both in real life and on his uber-award-winning show "Schitt's Creek," hosted 'SNL' for the first time.

He opened with this ... "I'm so honored to be hosting 'Saturday Night Live.' Somewhere my 13-year-old self has fainted in a really melodramatic way."

Dan's dad, Eugene, was actually the first Levy to appear on 'SNL' alongside John Candy way back in 1985.

Take that, camp bullies.

Mod Sun The Writing's On His Neck 'Avril' Tat Points to Real Relationship!!!

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Mod Sun might want to grab a turtleneck the next time he wants to keep his relationship a secret ... 'cause a huge "Avril" tattoo on his neck exposed what everyone's thinking -- he and Avril Lavigne are in a serious relationship.

A hawk-eyed TMZ producer spotted the tat on the back of Mod's neck after the musicians were seen leaving BOA Steakhouse in WeHo. Sources close to the situation tell TMZ ... the tat is 100% the real deal because, as our source put it, there's no way Mod would EVER get a "temp tattoo."

As for when he got the fresh ink -- we're told it was pretty recent. Makes sense, because there's been speculation they're hooking up ever since their collab on the new song "Flames."

Our sources wouldn't confirm a romantic relationship ... but, as they say, the writing's on the Mod -- plus, we're told they're "enjoying each other's company." Feel free to read between the tattoo lines.

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NIGHT ON THE TOWN

As we showed you, Avril and Mod hit up BOA in WeHo Thursday night. No PDA as they exited and greeted some fans, but Mod was pretty gentlemanly as he helped Avril into his whip.

If ya check the neck ... all signs point to Avril having found a new Sk8er Boi.

'RHONY' Cast P.O.'d Over Ramona's Reckless COVID Behavior

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The 'Real Housewives of New York' are set to resume production next week, but not everyone's happy. Our sources say some of the cast members are pissed at Ramona Singer over her reckless behavior, traveling maskless all over the world.

Production sources tell TMZ ... some cast members are livid after seeing Ramona hitting up St. Barts and parts of Florida while production was on hiatus. Making matters worse ... we're told the cast's fuming over the fact she threw caution to the wind and visited these places without practicing COVID guidelines ... like wearing a face mask.

Production has been shut down for nearly a month after a 'Housewife' and several crew members tested positive for COVID. We're told frustration mounted when Ramona was seen galavanting at tropical spots over the last few weeks ... even after the cast was specifically asked to stay in NY.

For what it's worth ... a source close to Ramona -- who in the past had been dragged over her quarantine behavior -- tells us the network was well aware she had been traveling. Our sources say Ramona will take a COVID test before she resumes filming.

And, speaking of filming ... we're told the cast will film in and around Manhattan early next week and in a couple of weeks head to Ramona's Southhampton, NY pad to film what was originally supposed to be a cast trip to upstate NY.

We reached out to Ramona but she declined to comment through a rep.

'Bachelorette' Alum Michael G. Alleged Attacker Arrested ... For Battery and Hate Crime

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The security guard seen on video accosting 'Bachelorette' alum Michael Garofola last month is now facing 3 charges, including one for allegedly committing a hate crime.

TMZ's learned cops picked up the guard, a man named Ernest Anwuri, and he's been charged with felony battery, and felony vandalism for allegedly damaging Michael's cell phone during the altercation.

Beyond the physical action, Anwuri's words also got him in trouble. We've learned he's been hit with a misdemeanor hate crime charge. You’ll recall ... Garofola said Anwuri went on a rant about Jewish people during the incident. For what it's worth, Michael isn't Jewish.

Some of that is referenced in the video Michael was able to shoot.

We broke the story ... Garofola started recording when the guard allegedly flew into an anti-Semitic rage after Michael told him he should be wearing a mask. In the video, you see the guy charging toward Michael while spewing something about "the Jews."

Michael claims Anwuri then snatched his iPhone, threw it down and punched him in the head.

Michael's best known for finishing fifth on Desiree Hartsock's 'Bachelorette' season. He also appeared on "Bachelor in Paradise" and "The Bachelor Winter Games."

Michael tells us, "As a new resident of L.A., the last thing I expected was to be physically attacked in the parking garage of my own residential building ... While my injuries will eventually heal and my damaged property will eventually be replaced, I am just glad that a person who holds so much hatred in his heart for certain groups of people has been brought to justice and will no longer be a threat to anyone else he encounters.”

We reached out to the complex where Anwuri works to see if he was still employed there ... so far, no word back.

Chiefs Fans Famous Fans Pumped Up For SBLV ... Bring On The Bucs!!!

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Kansas City will have some super famous AND super powerful fans hoping for a W on Sunday ... with big names in Hollywood showing off their Chiefs Kingdom spirit ahead of Super Bowl LV!!

Of course, Superman and Ant-Man are both pulling for Patrick Mahomes and Co. to repeat as champs ... with longtime backers Henry Cavill and Paul Rudd supporting the Chiefs for years.

There may not be a more passionate fan than "Modern Family" star Eric Stonestreet, who has been a die-hard fan since birth ... and even got Chiefs player Mitchell Schwartz's game-worn gloves after last year's Super Bowl win!

Oh, yeah, and have you ever heard of a guy named Brad Pitt?? He's a big fan, too .. even rocking a Chiefs hat on the red carpet of the 2020 SAG Awards.

There's more -- from rapper Tech N9ne to actors Rob Riggle and David Koechner, SNL's Heidi Gardner and singer Melissa Etheridge, there's a ton of notable fans hoping Tom Brady doesn't get ring #7.

Sorry, Gisele ...

Gorilla Glue Hairdo TikToker Checks Into the ER ... After Rubbing Alcohol Tip

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4:33 PM PT -- It looks like the TikToker who put Gorilla Glue in her hair is done with at-home remedies after getting bombarded with tips from just about everyone -- including GG itself -- because she's finally checked into a hospital ... and is already being attended to.

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UPDATE

Tessica Brown posted photos Saturday of herself going to an emergency room in what appears to be Chalmette, Louisiana. The photo she threw up from outside the facility was captioned with nothing but a couple of teary-eyed emojis.

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She posted another photo of her face lying down on a bed with a healthcare worker above her with gloves on. It looks like some kind of white cream was applied to her scalp to help with the removal of the sticky substance ... which has been stuck in place for a month.

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Tons of people are sending her well-wishes, noting that while the situation is somewhat humorous ... it's also super serious and probably not very enjoyable for Tessica. Some celebs even shouted her out, including Chance the Rapper.

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He writes, "I’m glad mfs actually supporting her thru this," adding ... "When I watched the video the second time it was hard to laugh cause I could tell shorty genuinely didn’t know she had put one of the worlds most powerful adhesives in her s***. I hope she recovers well Folded hands #gorillagluegirl."

The woman who made a huge mistake by substituting Gorilla Glue Spray Adhesive for her normal hair spray is at her wit's end ... so the glue brand's coming to the rescue.

If you missed it ... Tessica Brown made jaws drop on TikTok when she revealed her hair's been rockhard for about a month since her glue spray snafu, and she tells TMZ she's embarrassed, stressed, and starting to get scared.

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A HAIRY SITUATION

Like Tessica says in her video ... she can't wash out the glue, she can't even shave it and it's getting tighter on her head ... which is causing headaches.

She's considering going to the ER, but Gorilla Glue might save her a trip. The company tells us the quickest possible remedy is rubbing alcohol.

GG says ... "The less aggressive solvent for her hair/scalp would be rubbing alcohol to try and saturate her hair and then gently comb it out and shampoo." Of course, it's not that simple.

Gorilla says if Tessica's hair's been stuck for a month, it's "likely fractured at the root, but we certainly hope for the best."

Tessica too! She told us she's gonna try the rubbing alcohol soon. Best wishes, girl!

Oh one more thing, as a PSA of sorts -- DO NOT USE GORILLA GLUE ADHESIVE SPRAY ON YOUR HAIR. The company makes it clear that all of its products are considered permanent, and the packaging states it too. Tessica can testify it works.

Originally Published -- 12:50 AM PT

Boxing Legend Leon Spinks Dead At 67 Beat Muhammad Ali, Won Olympic Gold Medal

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Leon Spinks -- former undisputed heavyweight boxing champ -- who defeated Muhammad Ali in 1978 ... has died after a 5 year battle with cancer.

TMZ Sports has confirmed Spinks passed away Friday evening at the age of 67 ... surrounded by his wife Brenda and several other close friends and family.

Leon's health had been in decline recently ... the former boxing champ courageously battled prostate cancer for 5 years.

Spinks was the victor in one of the biggest upsets in sports history ... when he shocked the world by defeating Ali in a 15-round, split decision win in Las Vegas in February 1978.

In defeating Ali, Spinks -- the new heavyweight champ -- became the only fighter to ever take a belt from The Greatest.

The Ali fight was the most memorable moment of Leon's career ... but definitely not the only highlight.

In 1976, Spinks won a gold medal as a light heavyweight fighter in the Summer Olympics in Montreal.

Spinks -- born in St. Louis in 1953 -- developed a passion for boxing while in the U.S. Marines.

Pugilism ran deep in the Spinks family ... Leon was the older brother of boxer Michael Spinks -- a former 2-weight class world champion, and Olympic gold medalist (both brothers won gold in '76).

Leon was inducted into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame in 2017.

RIP

VA Senator Amanda Chase Denies Marijuana OD Tweet ... Says Duplicate Acct.'s Afoot

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4:13 PM PT -- Looks like a parody account passing as State Senator Amanda Chase is responsible for the bizarre marijuana tweet, because the real McCoy's calling it a fake.

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An unverified account with the handle @AmandaChaseVA -- which appears to be authentic, as it was set up in 2016 -- writes, "You know you’re the front runner for Governor when your opponent starts trying to duplicate your social media accounts.  Make sure you’re following the @AmandaChaseVA not the counterfeit account @SenAmandaChase."

UPDATE

She adds her team has reported the duplicate account, which is being investigated.

A Virginia state senator is making a big stink about the perils of marijuana as her state's legalizing it ... but she's getting laughed out of the digital building over it.

State Senator Amanda Chase tweeted Friday that mortality rates and overdoses in Virginia were sky-high ... apparently all due to marijuana. She didn't cite a source for that info, but went on to plug her gubernatorial run in a stand against legalization.

She writes, "We have a drug problem in Virginia, and legalizing marijuana will only lead to more marijuana overdoses and deaths. Democrats want more marijuana deaths. As your governor I would never allow marijuana to be legalized."

Her lofty claims about weed came the same day the Virginia legislature passed a bill to legalize ganja for use and sale starting in 2023. It's heading to incumbent Governor Ralph Northam's desk next week, and he's already indicated he'll sign it into law.

Again, we don't know where State Senator Chase is getting her alleged overdose stats -- but a lot of folks online aren't buying what she's selling. The jokes started flying at her expense, with folks saying they overdosed on weed ... and were forced to eat as a result.

One guy wrote, "I once overdosed on the marijuana and it took 6 cupcakes and a bag of pistachio nuts to bring me back from the brink. I still get munchies. #survivor."

Tons of others were on the same tip. Here's the thing though ... weed can apparently kill a person. We looked into it, and according to studies by the National Institutes of Health's NCBI -- which tracks this type of stuff in the U.S. -- marijuana has been linked to deaths ... although the numbers are hazy.

Scientists say ingesting too much -- as in edibles -- in one sitting can cause overdoses/death, especially in kids. Other deaths are related to the effects of marijuana ... for instance, car crashes or work accidents.

But, again, these instances are rare, and those stats wouldn't be relevant to the alleged marijuana scourge happening in Virginia ... according to Chase, anyway.

Originally Published -- 2:29 PM PT